Sprayer Selection Guide
Choosing a professional sprayer comes down to four questions, answered in this order: what chemical (this sets the seal material), what output (mist, stream or foam), what capacity (how long between refills), and what duty (handheld or mounted for high volume). Get the chemical question right first, because the wrong seal makes every other choice moot.
Pair this with the Chemical Compatibility Guide for the seal detail. When you want it spec'd for you, NORA PRO will match the unit to your chemical and job.
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Step 1: the chemical sets the seal
Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) first. The chemical and its strength decide the seal, the pump and the wetted parts:
- Dilute acids (brick cleaner, concrete etch, acid wheel cleaner): VITON (FKM) seals in an acid build, such as the Klager 1.2L or 1.5L Acid Resistant (polypropylene pump) or the Gloria PRO 500 JET Acid Resistant.
- Petroleum solvents (brake cleaner, degreasers, mineral turps): VITON seals in a solvent build with a nylon pump, such as the Klager 1.0L or 1.5L Solvent Resistant. An acid sprayer is not rated for petroleum solvents, and a solvent sprayer is not rated for acids.
- Bleach and chlorine up to 12.5%, caustics and alkalis: EPDM, such as the Klager 1.2L Alkaline Resistant or Gloria CLEAN 500. For bleach we also stock dedicated bleach resistant sprayers.
- Acetone and ketones: ask us. Klager builds the Master Solve+ for solvent mixtures with 20 to 50% acetone, and the Master Clean+ for pure acetone and MEK.
This is covered in full in the Chemical Compatibility Guide. Everything below assumes the seal is already right.
Step 2: sprayer types at a glance
| Type | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger sprayers | handheld | spot work, detailing, light application |
| Mini pressure | 1.0 to 1.5L | precise acid, solvent and pest work |
| Poly pressure | 3.0 to 8.0L | general cleaning, weed and chemical work |
| Stainless steel | 5.0 to 12.0L | heavy duty, sealers, oils and solvents (not acids, alkalis or acetone) |
| Air-driven (wall, IBC, drum) | bulk | high-volume continuous work |
| Foamers & injectors | varies | clinging foam for contact time |
Step 3: choosing by job
- Pest and termite control: mini pressure sprayers plus termiticide foam injectors.
- Commercial cleaning: foamers for contact time, plus pressure sprayers for degreasers and sanitisers.
- Food processing: sprayers and foamers for sanitisers, EPDM for chlorine, and the Klager CHEF for direct food contact.
- Concrete and construction: stainless or solvent-resistant for sealers, acid-resistant for cleaning.
- Automotive and detailing: foamers and foam guns for wash, triggers for tyre shine.
- Agriculture and horticulture: poly pressure and knapsack sprayers.
Step 4: output, capacity and foam
Mist or stream from pressure and trigger sprayers; foam for dwell time on vertical surfaces; air-driven for high-volume continuous work. Capacity: 1.0 to 1.5L for spot work, 3 to 8L poly for general work, 5 to 12L stainless for heavy work. Air-driven foamers use compressed air for a rich dry foam; airless foamers use water pressure and need no air line.
Common questions
How do I choose the right sprayer?
Start with the chemical, which sets the seal. Then choose the output, the capacity, and whether you need a handheld or mounted high-volume unit.
What capacity sprayer do I need?
1.0 to 1.5L for spot work, 3.0 to 8.0L poly for general work, 5.0 to 12.0L stainless for heavy work, or an air-driven mounted system for continuous use.
What is the difference between a sprayer and a foamer?
A sprayer applies liquid as a mist or stream. A foamer turns the chemical into clinging foam that stays on the surface longer, improving contact time.
Why choose stainless steel over poly?
Stainless takes heavier duty and higher pressure, up to 6 bar on the Gloria 505TK and 510TK, and lasts longer. It suits sealers, formwork oil, degreasers and most petroleum based liquids, but not acids, alkalis or acetone, so use an acid or alkaline resistant sprayer for those. Poly is lighter and suits general work.
Do you offer custom or modified sprayers?
Yes, we modify applicators, fit specific seal materials and provide private labelling to suit your chemical and brand.